Enough! We need to get move on. It'll be dark before we know it, and every one of you is spewing negativity!

”

—Maria, to everyone

“

No buts! I understand that you're upset. Honestly, I'm still coming to terms with the fact that this is humanity's second time around. But, if we don't move, we die. And I'll be damned if I've lived this long just to die out here in the cold!

Child, a Huntress is supposed to protect others to the bitter end. But after I lost my eyes, I only ever looked after myself. Even after my surgery, I was too afraid to fight. Afraid someone would find me again, finish what the others started. You shouldn't aspire to be like me, especially when some of you are clearly stronger already. It's... comforting, seeing that your generation seems up to the task of inheriting this world. I'm just sorry I didn't do more to leave it in better shape.

—Maria, to Ruby about her reason why she's at the backyard of the Cotta-Arc residence

“

If I have to explain it to you, it will just defeat the purpose. But if you're tired of not knowing anything, how about we discuss those eyes of yours?

”

—Maria, to Ruby

“

I had my father to teach me, and even he didn't have all the answers. But what he told me makes sense, given what I've seen.

”

—Maria, to Ruby on how her father taught her about the Silver Eyes

“

It wasn't really an official title back in his day. I only knew him as an old soldier, and an excellent teacher. I never attended one of those fancy academies of yours, but I scored higher on the license exam than any other Huntsman or Huntress that day.

”

—Maria, to Ruby about her father and not attending one of the Huntsmen academies

“

Heh, he would've scolded me for showing off. He'd never been able to find much information about our abilities. Just legends of warriors whose eyes shone like mirrors, reflecting the light of the world onto darkness. He found so little, in fact, that it made him cautious. How could such powerful bloodlines be so rare? Unless, something was actively seeking to destroy them.

”

—Maria, to Ruby

“

I tried to keep my powers a secret, but as you know, it wasn't enough. I owe my life to my training, and my Semblance. At the end of the day, those are still your most powerful tools.

”

—Maria, to Ruby

“

"Preflexes"! A silly name I came up with. Hard to explain, but I can sense everything better than most and react to attacks almost before they happen. Combine that with my training and secret ability to turn Grimm to stone, or blind them, or vaporize them. And that's how you become the Grimm Reaper!

”

—Maria, to Ruby about her Semblance and herself as the Grimm Reaper

“

I want you to think of all the times you've triggered your powers. What did those moments have in common?

”

—Maria, asking Ruby about triggering the power of the Silver Eyes

“

It's emotional, but more focused than that. Think, what is it you wanted?

”

—Maria, asking Ruby

“

It is the desire to preserve life which fuels the light inside you. And to make no mistake, it is light. Preservation is an extension of creation, or, at the very least, an enemy of destruction. The Creatures of Grimm were made by the God of Darkness, but your light comes from his brother.

”

—Maria, to Ruby

“

I always knew how to use the light, but never why it only worked on the Grimm. Then, Jinn showed us her vision. Were you paying attention?

”

—Maria, to Ruby

“

The light will only work in the presence of Grimm. Meaning the only practice you'll get will be a trial by fire. But, what you can do is focus on creating a state of mind that you can tap into when you need it. Don't think about your light as a means of destroying evil, but as a way to protect the people of Remnant.

”

—Maria, to Ruby

“

Interesting... Perhaps there was something that you just weren't seeing?

”

—Maria, to Ruby about Cinder Fall being affected by Ruby's Silver Eyes' power

About Maria

I can't believe it. You... You're the Grimm Reaper, you were a legend! And then you disappeared...

”

—Qrow, to Maria

“

You never used your name, never showed your face. Lots of us thought you were just layin' low. Eventually, we just came to accept that you were probably dead. But the stories about you, I based my weapon off of yours. I wanted to be as good as the Grimm Reaper.

”

—Qrow, explaining about the legend of the Grimm Reaper

“

Thanks. You know, it was pretty incredible getting to see the Grimm Reaper in action.